Optical Fiber End Coupling With Index-Matching Fluid to Cut Reflection Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser beam transmission devices face issues with optical fiber damage due to high instantaneous power, leading to reflection losses and inefficiencies, particularly when the fiber is exposed to air, resulting in costly polishing and coating requirements and potential damage during high-power transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of an index matching fluid with a refractive index similar to the optical fiber at both ends minimizes reflection losses by eliminating the need for polishing and coating, and includes an anti-reflective coating window and lens to manage beam alignment and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If polishing and coating are performed on optical fiber surfaces to minimize reflection loss and prevent damage, then transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an index matching fluid as an intermediary medium between the optical fiber end面和空气。这个流体层的折射率与光学纤维相匹配，消除了界面处的折射率突变，从而消除了菲涅尔反射，无需对纤维端面进行昂贵的抛光和涂覆处理
Solution Approach 2:
通过改变光学纤维周围介质的折射率参数，从空气（折射率约1.0）改为索引匹配流体（折射率与光纤相匹配），从而改变了界面处的光学特性，消除了反射损失
2Shape
If polishing and coating are performed on optical fiber surfaces to maintain uniform shape and direction, then beam distortion is prevented, but device complexity increases due to management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
索引匹配流体作为中介物质填充在光纤端面周围，提供了一个光学上均匀的介质环境，使得激光束在进出光纤时不会发生畸变，同时消除了对端面精确定向和抛光的管理需求
3Productivity
If high instantaneous power is transmitted through optical fiber, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the optical fiber is damaged due to high power density on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
索引匹配流体层作为保护性中介层覆盖在光纤端面，分散了高功率激光束与光纤表面的直接接触应力，减少了表面损伤的风险，使得高瞬时功率传输成为可能
Solution Approach 2:
利用索引匹配流体的存在，将原本会导致反射和表面损伤的高功率传输条件转化为可安全运行的条件，通过消除反射损失实际上提高了可传输功率
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces reflection losses, lowers operational costs, allows for immediate replacement of damaged fibers, and enhances transmission efficiency by maintaining the optical fiber's integrity without the need for costly surface treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an index matching fluid in which a reflection loss of a high-power laser beam is minimized by disposing an index matching fluid, which has a refractive index similar to an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
Fresnel reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a high-power laser beam transmission device using an index matching fluid. The high-power laser beam transmission device may include an optical fiber transmitting a laser beam, and an index matching fluid disposed at both ends of the optical fiber emitting a laser beam received from the optical fiber. According to the present disclosure, an index matching fluid having a refractive index similar to that of an optical fiber is disposed at both ends of the optical fiber, thereby minimizing a reflection loss.